Argo

True stories can go two ways. Occasionally they stick tight to the event, following it's every move to cinematic boredom however on other occasions there're well executed bringing a deceased icon to life once more or in Argo's case highlighting an otherwise unknown event to the interest of the public eye. Once an A-list blockbuster actor and now also a certified successful director, Ben Affleck began his directorial career with his debut of Gone baby gone and then certified his talent with his 2010 thriller The Town. Argo is a step up with the daunting relatively complex narrative based on an unbelievable true story coming also with the pressure of delivering after his past two successes.

 Set in the 1980's Argo follows the true operation to extract six fugitive diplomatic personnel out of a revolutionary Iran. How stereotypical political thrillers go, they often find it difficult to penetrate into the heart of the narrative procrastinating in dialogue heavy office scenes, Argo barely suffers with similar issues as for the majority it proves to be a riveting thriller captivating the audience in militant Iran despite it's obvious dramatisation. For the most part of the first thirty minutes of this film it deals with ensuring permission to carry out the operation as well as making it look seemingly legitimate  Pacing issues are present but seem irrelevant in comparison to the surprisingly engaging debating scenes of the office that prove to be humorous as well as realistic due to the seamless script. The momentum only builds from this point gathering plot points and  intrigue as the film goes on, always placing the audience into the heart of the action with a total lack of any form of dull moment. Each character holds their unique personality and attributes, throughout the course of the film we see them adapt to their current situation with growing discomfort whilst being performed with emotional prowess making each of them and their feelings seem realistic and understandable.

 Argo is the best thriller to be released in 2012 and in fact one of the most engaging of the past few years. To be able to provide an intense thriller which has a near total lack of (usually present) violence is a momentous achievement  The concluding moments of the film engage the audience to new levels to the point of literal anxiety. The more Affleck immerses himself within the world of directing the better he becomes, his successes have certainly rocketed him to directorial acknowledgement with Argo being his most impressive achievement.

9/10- Bringing a poltical thriller to the interest of the general audience with extraordinary success.

 Calum Russell